Since the first Mediterranean Conference was held, migration has always been identified as a priority area. Poverty, diseases, war, unemployment, among others, drive men, women and children to leave their home in search of a better life and future. The movement of population is becoming a major challenge in the 21st century, and migrants and the community of reception are challenged alike. The Mediterranean Conference emphasized how National Societies need to work for a better understanding of migrants' needs, promote a change of minds towars non-discrimination and inclusive behaviours beyond attending vulnerable migrants' needs and protect their wellbeing.

The Mediterranean region is changing rapidly and communities are faced with a gorwing number of humanitarian challenges which threaten their wellbeing, their livelihoods and ultimately their lives. More and more people are becoming vulnerable to disasters or are forced to cope with all sorts of crisis, with special regards to those derived by the conflicts which are currently affecting many countries across the region, those derived by climate change and its consequences for the most vulnerable, and the economic crisis and its assocciated uncertainty to what the future may hold for the region.

The Mediterranean National Societies are working together towards a common ambition: to build jointly a future partnership to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and for human, social and cultural understanding, which involves values, behaviours and ways of life that reject violence and spread a conflict resolution attitude by facing causes and to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation. All of these under the Red Cross and Red Crescent Principles and respect for people's human rights.

The Seven Fundamental Principles

Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve suffering of individuals, being guide solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take side in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideologicalo nature.

Independence
The movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to te laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary Service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire of gain.

Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in anyone country. It must be open to all. It must carry on tis humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.